Rising to fame from his starring role in The Tudors, Henry Cavill gradually turned into a Hollywood staple. Thereafter, from big-budget superhero movies like Man of Steel to appearing in iconic franchises like Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible, Cavill gained prominence in the entertainment industry.
However, there was a time when the actor struggled in Hollywood, despite his good looks and prolific acting skills. Rumored to run for James Bond, Batman, and even Twilight, Henry Cavill lost out on many renowned roles during his initial years. Although the actor was eventually launched into the A-List by DCEU, let’s check out Cavill’s filmography and note down 5 of his worst movies.
1. The Cold Light of Day
Given his handsome appearance and muscular form, Henry Cavill is often considered best suited for action movies. But it was undoubtedly difficult for the actor to land blockbuster hits during his initial years. Therefore, much like most Hollywood A-listers, even Cavill appears to have starred in lesser-known action flicks like the 2012’s wannabe Bourne-style thriller The Cold Light of Day.
Having a rather common storyline centered around a family man who is forced to take control of the law after his loved ones get kidnapped by foreign agents seeking a stolen briefcase, the 2012 movie starred Bruce Willis, Emma Hamilton, and Sigourney Weaver among other renowned faces. Unfortunately, the movie ended up being one of Cavill’s worst films, because of the way every scene seemed painfully predictable.
Playing the role of Will Shaw, a Wall Street businessman, Cavill appeared clearly phoning-in his role in the movie. With oddly cheap-looking affairs and a ridiculous storyline, The Cold Light of Day appeared in Cavill’s filmography that seems better forgotten.
The Cold Light of Day is available on Netflix.
2. Night Hunter
Yet again, much like The Cold Light of Day, Henry Cavill’s 2018 action thriller, Night Hunter, landed on our list of worst movies, from the actor’s filmography. With nothing much to differentiate in terms of style, content, or creative ineptitude, Cavill’s movie featured him as a weathered Lieutenant Walter Marshall alongside A-listers like Ben Kingsley, Alexandra Daddario, and Stanley Tucci.
With the story revolving around the investigation of a woman’s death who was suspected of being connected to a recent spate of disappearances, the film tried offering shocking twists at every turn. But unfortunately, it turned into yet another generic action-thriller that wasted the skills of a stellar cast.
Night Hunter is available on Netflix.
3. Red Riding Hood
Taking a trip back to the early 2000s and hovering over Henry Cavill’s filmography, we landed our hands on 2006’s Red Riding Hood. Not to be confused with Catherine Hardwicke’s movie of the same name, Cavill’s film was apparently a musical adventure retelling the classic fairy tale with a twist.
Herein, Cavill played the role of the dashing hunter with very lovely hair, alongside Morgan Thompson, who appeared as Red. Although the movie tried its best to entertain fans with its pseudo-wacky family comedy, the film is almost forgotten in time, except for the truly bonkers moments, involving Joey Fatone as the big bad wolf who swallowed a whole child.
Red Riding Hood is available on Roku.
4. Hellraiser: Hellworld
Popularly known for working in renowned franchises like DC and Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible, Henry Cavill initially started his struggling years, working in horror media franchise – Hellraiser. Although the first few Hellraiser titles were brilliant chillers, Cavill’s 2005 installment Hellraiser: Hellworld ended up ruining the reputation of the franchise.
Leaving behind the original intent and unique aspects of the franchise, as the story expanded into a more typical slasher film, Hellraiser lost its essence and got diluted into near-oblivion. Therefore, Cavill’s 2005 installment turned into a mere example of how author Clive Barker’s initial ideas were being degraded. Playing the role of a personality lacking chump Mike, who served up as a token sacrifice to the Cenobites, Cavill appeared alongside Doug Bradley, Katheryn Winnick, and more.
Despite great attempts put into Henry Cavill’s Hellraiser: Hellworld, the movie ended up being so bad that it went straight to DVD in the US. And now, after decades, it’s almost forgotten as a part of the Hellraiser franchise.
Hellraiser: Hellworld is available on Prime Video.
5. Tristan and Isolde
Finally wrapping up our list of Henry Cavill’s worst movies, we have the 2006’s Tristan and Isolde. Based on the medieval romantic legend, the story of Tristan and Iseult is one of the most influential tales in Western culture, which has been reimagined countless times since the 12th century. But for Hollywood, the 2006 movie was the first time the tale was being taken into consideration.
Produced by the brothers Tony and Ridley Scott, the movie sadly aimed for historical realism over the more fantastical source material. Therefore, failing to grasp the romanticism and emotional grandeur of the story, that made it so beloved through centuries, Tristan and Isolde fell flat and ruined the essence of the tale. With Henry Cavill playing the role of Melot, the movie starred A-listers like Sophia Myles, James Franco, and Rufus Sewell.
Unfortunately, in the end, with a lack of chemistry between Franco and Myles, who played the lead, Tristan and Isolde turned into an adaptation of the tale, empty of life.
Tristan and Isolde is available on Prime Video.
